Pharmacy and Medications

Generic for Lipitor

08/27/2009

Question:

I WAS TOLD LOVASTATIN WAS GENERIC FOR CRESTOR & MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE. I`M READING YOUR INFORMATATION & ATORVASTATIN SEEM`S TO BE THE GENERIC ONE, WHICH ONE CAN I USE TO REPLACE CRESTOR? I CAN`T AFFORD IT! I CAN NOT USE LIPITOR THE SIDE EFFECT`S ARE TERRIBLE.

Answer:

Thank you for contacting Net Wellness. The medication Crestor® (rosuvastatin) is in the family of statins. Statins are a class of medications that are used to lower your cholesterol. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly, but too much in your blood can stick to the walls of your arteries and cause a narrowing or blocking like a clogged drain.

There are six statins available on the market in the United States:

Lipitor® (atorvastatin)

Zocor® (simvastatin)

Pravachol® (pravastatin)

Mevacor® (lovastatin)

Crestor® (rosuvastatin)

Lescol® & Lescol XL® (fluvastatin)

I encourage you to work with your prescriber to determine which agent is the best for you. Only a prescriber with your full background physical and laboratory history can make those decisions.

The agents that are available in generic form are lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin. Lovastatin and pravastatin are available on Target's, Wal-Mart's, Giant Eagle's, and Kroger's $4 list that you can obtain 30 tablets of specific strengths for $4. Simvastatin is available at Kmart for a 90 day supply for $15.

The other option that may be available (depending on your insurance) is a discount card available for Crestor®, or you may also be eligible for their assistance program.

Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More)